Urhobo leaders raise alarm over moves by Ijaws to annex other ethnic groups’ lands
2 min read
By Olotuche Miracle
The Urhobo ethnic group in Delta State has raised alarm over alleged expansionist agenda of the Ijaw nation aimed at claiming and annexing lands of their neighbouring communities and villages in the State.
They also accused the Ijaws ethnic of wanting to claim what does not belongs to them, not only in Delta State but along the coastal corridors, spanning to Lagos State in the South West.
Addressing a press conference under the auspice of Urhobo Leaders of Thought, the Urhobos warned that they will vehemently resist any attempt to grab or annex any part or parcel of their land.
Secretary, Urhobo Leaders of Thought, Alhaji Mumakai Unagha, who presented the text of the press conference, said, “The Urhobo will not cede part or parcel of its land to any neighbours whatever guise nor will the Urhobo forcefully take over any body’sland that does not belongs to them.”
Alhaji Unagha issued a warning that should the Ijaws continue with their agenda, the other ethnic groups in the Niger Delta are sensitive to take their destiny into their hands.
According to him, “This press conference is meant to raise alarm of the Ijaw expansionist agenda of claiming or annexing neighbouring communities and villages in the Niger Delta especially Urhobo.
“The agenda will cause disunity amongst the people of the region.
“They want to claim what does not belongs to them. They want to annex Aladja, Okuama, Gbaregolor, Oboro, in Delta state. They also want to annex or lay claim to villages in Ondo, Lagos and Akwa-Ibom states.
“The Urhobo will not cede part or parcel of it’s land to any neighbours whatever guise nor will the Urhobo forcefully take over any body’s land that does not belongs to them. The Urhobo’s and the Ijaws have lived together for too long of killing each other.
“Gentlemen, with the Federal government empowering some of them, they have the resources to over run their neighbors they lived with over these years. This is very dangerous as these communities are in perpetual fears of possible attack.
“It is therefore my appeal that they should sink their difference for unity, peace and development of the area.
“The other ethnic groups in the Niger Delta are sensitive to take their destiny into their hands.
“The situation will worsen if the fragile peace in the area is not protected. Nigerians should prevail on the Ijaw Nation to shield their swords for peace in the Niger Delta
“The recent killings of soldiers in Okuama would have been avoided if it was well managed. Yes, the unfortunate incident is painful and regrettable
“Finally, I want to sympathize with the military authority and the Nigeria government on the Okuama killings. The Urhobo Leaders of Thought again, call for independent investigation into the killings and not the Military because they cannot be a judge in their own court.”
